Aikido

Author: Gozo Shioda
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1568364113
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
In this first full autobiographical work, the legendary aikido grandmaster Gozo Shioda tells of his exciting life. Born in Tokyo in 1915, Shioda excelled as a student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. He went on to win first place in the All Japan Martial Arts Exhibition in 1954; and later, founded the Yoshinkan school of aikido, considered a "hard" style for its rigorous training techniques and emphasis on correct form. In 1988, Shioda was awarded the title of Aikido Master by the International Martial Arts Federation. Over the course of his distinguisehd career, he also served as the chief instructor for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the Air Self-defense Force, the Japanese National Railways, and a number of leading Japanese universities. In Aikido: My Spiritual Journey, Shioda relates moving, personal anecdotes about Ueshiba and imparts what he learned from his mentor. He offers a concise overview of the key elements of aikido, including breath power, focused power, and the power of the center line. About 20 rare photos of the author, chronicling his life in aikido, are also included. Yasuhisa Shioda, the author’s son and himself a prominent figure in the aikido world, has contributed the Afterword to this volume.

Journey to the Heart of Aikido

Author: Linda Holiday
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1583946608
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 377

Book Description
Journey to the Heart of Aikido presents the teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei, one of the few remaining direct students of Morihei Ueshiba, the legendary founder of Aikido. After a lifetime of practice and teaching in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Anno Sensei conveys through his teachings Aikido's essential spirit of love, harmony, gratitude, and purification with simple authenticity and eloquence. Author and translator Linda Holiday--herself a senior instructor of Aikido--brings to life the intimacy of this communication through translated discourses on the deep practice of Aikido and candid dialogues between Anno sensei and Western students. Journey to the Heart of Aikido includes Linda Holiday's vivid account of her adventure as a young woman studying Aikido in the mystical region of Kumano, Japan, in the 1970s, and a poignant telling of Anno sensei's life and his first-hand experience of training with Aikido's founder. An essential resource for the global Aikido community, Journey to the Heart of Aikido also offers spiritual teachings relevant to all contemporary seekers, touching a wide range of themes such as the meaning of martial arts, the integration of body and spirit, the truth of interconnectedness, and the practice of peace, offering all readers insight into the profound spiritual questions at the heart of life.

The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido

Author: William Gleason
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620551225
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 210

Book Description
Morihei Ueshiba, who founded Aikido early in this century, intended that his martial art would give form to profound spiritual truth, and lead to a unification of the world's peoples. He saw Aikido not as a fighting method or as a competitive sport but rather as a means of becoming one with the laws of universal order--ki, or life energy. Unfortunately, the subtleties of Ueshiba's teachings, veiled in the esoteric terminology of Shinto, can be puzzling for even the most advanced practitioners. They are not passed down today, and have never been introduced to the West. Gleason, a fifth-degree (Godan) black belt in Aikido, recognizing the importance of the spiritual aspects of the discipline, researched its roots in Shinto, and in this book is able to offer a clear explanation of Ueshiba's teachings. • Unlike the common "how-to" manuals on basic technique, this is the first book to introduce the underlying spiritual principles of Aikido--the elusive concept of kototama (word souls), expressed as one spirit, four souls, three origins, and eight powers--and how they relate to the forms. • Teaches the student how to use Aikido to accomplish spiritual goals. • Reveals little-known teachings of Shinto and Aikido, relating them to Buddhism, Christianity, and other spiritual teachings.

Aikido

Author: Gozo Shioda
Publisher: Kodansha International
ISBN: 9784770030191
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 236

Book Description
Shioda demonstrates how the Basic Exercises that comprise the core teachingn Aikido will develop physical focus in the practitioner, and teach them howo harness that focus for wider practical applications. Also central to theikido philosophy is the importance of achieving harmony with one's opponentnd Shioda explains how this can be done through a selfless devotion to theechniques. By doing this, one can enter an unrestrained state of mind, whichn turn can improve one's powers of concentration. This book primarily dealsith the Basic Throws that form the early stages of Aikido practice and is aevised edition of a previous textbook that was not for sale to the public.his updated version includes a wealth of rare photographs of the authoremonstrating the techniques, as well as a new section on Practicalpplication. As discussed in a new foreword by the author's son, Yasuhisahioda, this book should serve as a testament to the universality of Aikido, martial art which, partly down to its emphasis of defense over attack, cane practiced by anyone, regardless of age.;This is one of Aikido's most

Aikido and the Harmony of Nature

Author: Mitsugi Saotome
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834825848
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 487

Book Description
A study of the ethical and philosophical principles of Aikido, as envisioned by its founder Morihei Ueshiba, and how this unique martial art can deepen our connection to nature Here is a unique approach to the teachings of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, as interpreted by his direct student of fifteen years. Mitsugi Saotome examines the spiritual philosophy of the Founder, the warrior ideals of feudal Japan as the basis of his martial arts philosophy, and the scientific principles underlying the philosophy of Aikido technique. The author shows that the physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of principles of the spirit. Negative force is not countered with aggression but is controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. The sincere practice and study of Aikido deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, other people, and ourselves. Abundantly illustrated with the author's drawings, diagrams, and calligraphies, as well as photographs demonstrating Aikido techniques, the book also offers a history of Aikido, personal anecdotes about the Founder, and translations of several of his lectures.

The Practice of Freedom

Author: Wendy Palmer
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1645470849
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Book Description
Drawing on the poetic wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, American sensei Wendy Palmer translates the powerful teachings of aikido for use in everyday life. With poignant reflections on her own life, including teaching inmates in a woman's federal prison, she describes how we can regain our sense of freedom, vitality, and integrity when under the duress of life's "attacks" by transforming our negativity into budo, or unconditional love. The Practice of Freedom is invaluable not only for students of aikido and other movement and martial arts, but also for those who seek to live with confidence and self-reliance, to establish clear and compassionate boundaries, and to deepen their capacities for relationships.

The Heart of Aikido

Author: Morihei Ueshiba
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1568365144
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
With its message of universal harmony, the martial art of Aikido is attracting an ever-expanding number of followers all around the world. There are now 1,600,000 Aikido practitioners in 90 different countries. The Heart of Aikido: The Philosophy of Takemasu Aiki focuses on the human values and promotion of peace that legendary founder Morihei Ueshiba believed were at Aikido’s core. Takemasu Aiki means, "the life-generating force capable of unlimited transformations," an idea that serves as the spiritual foundation on which Aikido rests. The book, translated into English for the first time, draws on the essence of the founder’s philosophy and spirituality, which was based on the Shinto religion. It presents such tenets as: the importance of harmony in the martial arts, the ultimate promotion of peace by dispelling any aggression through such harmony, and the divinity of the true self and the universe. The Japanese version of the book holds a special place in the hearts of Aikido practitioners; the English-language edition has been eagerly awaited and is sure to be greeted with great excitement.

Enlightenment through Aikido

Author: Kanshu Sunadomari
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
ISBN: 1583945318
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 196

Book Description
Enlightenment through Aikido focuses on Aikido's spiritual teachings, drawing on Sunadomari's experiences as a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba. Quotes from the founder and the author's interpretations show how Aikido can develop inner strength and tranquility. This book is an excellent companion for those practitioners who aspire to go beyond the physical in their journey along the path of Aikido.

The Art of Peace

Author: Morihei Ueshiba
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834845199
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 249

Book Description
The inspirational teachings in this collection show that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. The teachings are drawn from the talks and writings of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the popular Japanese martial art of Aikido, a mind-body discipline he called the "Art of Peace," which offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict. Ueshiba believed that Aikido principles could be applied to all the challenges we face in life—in personal and business relationships, and in our interactions with society. This is an expanded version of the original miniature edition that appeared in the Shambhala Pocket Classics series. It features a new introduction by John Stevens, recently translated doka, didactic "poems of the Way," and Ueshiba's own calligraphy.

Total Aikido

Author: Gozo Shioda
Publisher: Kodansha International
ISBN: 9784770020581
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 222

Book Description
The sequel to "Dynamic Aikido", this book expands on the fundamentalrinciples in finer detail. It covers the basic postures and movements,lacing special emphasis on perfecting the key techniques for achievingaxumum effect with minimum effort. It is aimed at beginners and advancedtudents.